Wildwater's Opening A Big Splash

June 16, 1985|by KATHERINE REINHARD, Sunday Call-Chronicle

Scott Patt and Steve Weston of Allentown had it all planned. The 14-year- olds were going to be the first two people admitted into Wildwater Kingdom, the new water amusement next to Dorney Park in South Whitehall Township, no matter what.

Indeed, they were first, and proud of it, for they were walking around shouting, "We were the first!"

"We came early about 9 in the morning," said Patt. "I think it's great. It's something to do over the summer," added Weston, who like Patt holds a season's pass.

The two were among an estimated 2,000 people, most of them youngsters, who showed up on Wildwater Kingdom's opening day to swim in the wave pool, slide down the body flume and splash in the activity pools.

For Wildwater officials, the day got off without a hitch despite the fact that the water park, one of the biggest on the East Coast, opened about two weeks ahead of schedule.

The only hint of confusion came between noon and 1 p.m. when traffic on Hamilton Boulevard was backed up by patrons seeking to enter either Wildwater Kingdom or Dorney Park. South Whitehall police were on hand to direct drivers to the proper entrance.

And park officials, who in recent weeks have been plagued by public complaints over the amount of water being consumed there during a drought emergency, placed sandbags along two edges of the wave pool to minimize spillage until they decide whether retention walls are needed.

Kandish said officials were pleased by the turnout. "I don't think we had any expectations (about how many people would show up) because we were just pleased to be able to open."

By 10:15 a.m., 15 minutes after the gates opened, all but the speed slide and children's pool were open for use by the public. The speed slide opened about an hour later and the children's pool in the afternoon. Grounds crews were still putting the finishing touches on the landscaping, building two pavilions and fastening exit gates. The smell of fresh paint hung in the air.

Park officials were especially safety conscious. They could be seen walking the premises talking to one another over walkie talkies. "We're really concerned about the safety aspect," Kandish said. "We want to be as safe as can be."

Kandish pointed out that the lifeguards watching the wave pool must undergo the same certification techniques as their ocean counterparts. The lifeguards, she said, were specially trained by Ellis and Associates, a Houston-based firm that is particularly tough.

She explained that the guards must stand and carry flotation devices when the 2 1/2 -foot waves are in motion.

Park patrons were better than pleased by Wildwater Kingdom's features. "It's a lot better than I thought it would be," said Brady Sherly, 12, of Emmaus. "It's great," said Creighton Faust, 12, of Allentown, a friend of Sherly's.

Not everyone at Wildwater Kingdom was as young as Sherly and Faust. Fifty- nine-year-old Louis Bauer of Allentown was having just as much fun. "We were anxious to see what it was like. I couldn't wait," said Bauer, who was joined by his wife Arlene. "I said, 'Why drive to the shore when we have this.' "

Kandish said officials expect the number of patrons to climb as the weather becomes warmer and more people realize Wildwater Kingdom has opened sooner than expected. The park will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. And Wednesday through next Sunday, the World Professional Inland Surfing Championships will be held there.